Stiles Points: OKC Thunder have a right to be confident
The Oklahoma City Thunder (43-19) have a right to be confident. As superstar point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits down with ESPN's Malika Andrews, he made headlines with his confidence.
"We are capable of anything," Gilgeous-Alexander told Andrews on NBA Today when asked if this Thunder team can win a Championship. While nationally Oklahoma City is still being questioned, they certainly have earned the right to this bravado.
On top of their overall record, the Thunder have passed every test. From the Phil Jackson 40 wins before 20 losses to their impressive home record, clutch time performances, and the rise of their young core all point to them being built to last.
No matter what expectations you had for this Thunder team entering the season, their production is worth buying into. Oklahoma City owns a top-five offensive (3), defensive (5), and net (3) rating during the 2023-24 campaign.
In a star-driven league, they have one of the brightest, and most consistent, in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is one of the front runners for the Most Valuable Player Award. Not to mention rising stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren to go along with a plethora of role players at Mark Daigneault's disposal.
Of course, size and experience are a concern, but when you take a step back and look around the league, there is no perfect team. The association is wide-open, and the Thunder have been one of the best squads all season long.
Stiles Points
- OKC Blue guard Jahmi'us Ramsey, who is currently on a ten-day deal with the Toronto Raptors, played his first game for the Raptors G League Affiliate posting 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal.
- Despite hobbling at the end of Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not listed on the Thunder's initial injury report.
- The OKC Thunder are welcoming in the Miami Heat on the second night of a back-to-back to open up their homestand. The Heat fell to the Mavericks 114-108 on Thursday.
- Ousmane Dieng was recalled from the OKC Blue on Thursday. Dieng has been on a hot streak with the Blue, shooting the ball efficiently in the last four games.
- Oklahoma City enters Friday a half-game back of first place after the Minnesota Timberwolves earned an electric win over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. Minnesota will play the second leg of a back-to-back on Friday in Cleveland.
Song of the Day: Miami, My Amy by Keith Whitley.
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